Slide type analytic device, method, and preparation apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus and method for depositing reagent only on a specimen contained in a cavity utilizing reagent deposition apparatus under the control of imaging apparatus providing an image of the specimen within the cavity; and an analytic implement including a pair of opposed and spaced apart transparent plates mounted in a frame and providing the cavity therebetween for receiving the specimen.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. Apparatus for depositing reagent on a specimen, comprising: specimen holding means including opposed generally transparent members providing a cavity therebetween for receiving said specimen, said specimen occupying less than the entirety of said cavity;   imaging means for providing an image of said specimen in said cavity;   reagent deposition means for depositing reagent on said specimen in said cavity; and   control means in response to said imaging means for controlling said reagent deposition means to produce relative motion between said specimen holding means and said reagent deposition means and to cause said reagent deposition means to deposit said reagent directly on said specimen residing in said cavity.   
     
     
       2. An analytic implement comprising: a frame;   a pair of opposed, spaced apart, parallel transparent rigid planar plates mounted in said frame and providing a cavity therebetween for receiving a test specimen, said specimen occupying less than the entirety of said cavity;   one of said plates mounted slidably in said frame for exposing the inner surface of the opposing panel upon relative movement therebetween;   at least one channel molded into said frame for providing fluid communication with said cavity, said frame including opposed ends, one of said ends provided with rotational engagement means for positioning said analytic implement in a predetermined position and an aperture for permitting ingress of a fluid into said channel, and the other of said ends provided with at least one aperture permitting egress of said fluid from said channel;   said frame including a side provided with an opening for permitting egress and ingress of a computer controlled tubular probe into and out of said cavity for the purpose of depositing reagent directly on said specimen residing in said cavity.   
     
     
       3. The analytic implement according to claim 2 wherein said rotational engagement means comprise a gear sector. 
     
     
       4. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said control means move said reagent deposition means relative to said specimen holding means.